2017 Mg Zs Suv Review

The 2017 MG ZS SUV is a budget-friendly compact crossover that punches above its weight with modern styling, a comfortable ride, and a surprising amount of tech. While it may not match premium rivals in refinement, it delivers excellent value for money, making it a smart choice for first-time SUV buyers or families on a budget.

If you’re in the market for a compact SUV that doesn’t break the bank but still looks and feels modern, the 2017 MG ZS deserves a serious look. Launched as MG’s first modern SUV under Chinese ownership, the ZS was designed to compete with popular models like the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Creta, and Suzuki Vitara—but at a significantly lower price. It’s not trying to be a luxury vehicle, nor is it pretending to be a rugged off-roader. Instead, the ZS aims to be a practical, stylish, and reliable daily driver for urban commuters and small families.

What makes the 2017 MG ZS particularly appealing is its balance of features, space, and affordability. At a time when compact SUVs were becoming increasingly expensive, MG entered the scene with a refreshingly straightforward approach: offer a lot of car for not a lot of money. The ZS comes well-equipped even in its base trim, with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and a surprisingly roomy cabin. It’s not perfect—no car at this price point is—but it delivers where it counts: everyday usability, comfort, and value.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable Price Point: The 2017 MG ZS offers strong value with a starting price well below many competitors, making it accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
• Spacious Interior: Despite its compact size, the ZS provides generous legroom and cargo space, ideal for small families or weekend adventurers.
• User-Friendly Infotainment: The 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is intuitive and responsive, a rare find in this price range.
• Smooth Ride Quality: The suspension setup prioritizes comfort, handling bumps and potholes with ease, especially on city roads.
• Fuel-Efficient Engine Options: The 1.5L petrol and 1.0L turbocharged engines deliver decent fuel economy, with the turbo variant offering better performance.
• Safety Features Are Basic: While it includes standard airbags and ABS, advanced driver aids like lane departure warning are missing, even in higher trims.
• Stylish Exterior Design: The ZS stands out with its bold grille, sharp lines, and modern LED daytime running lights, giving it a premium look.

Design and Styling: Looks That Impress

One of the first things you’ll notice about the 2017 MG ZS is its bold, modern design. MG has done an excellent job giving the ZS a premium appearance that belies its affordable price tag. The front end features a large, chrome-accented grille that dominates the fascia, flanked by sleek halogen headlights (LED DRLs on higher trims) that give the car a confident, aggressive stance. The sculpted hood and sharp character lines along the sides add a sense of motion, even when the car is parked.

Exterior Features That Stand Out

The ZS rides on 17-inch alloy wheels (standard on mid and high trims), which not only enhance its sporty look but also improve handling. Roof rails are included across the range, adding a touch of adventure-ready styling and practicality for carrying bikes or luggage. The rear design is clean and contemporary, with LED taillights and a subtle spoiler integrated into the tailgate. Available in a range of vibrant colors—including Magnetic Grey, Dynamic Red, and Arctic White—the ZS allows buyers to express their personality without paying extra for customization.

Interior Quality and Layout

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels more upscale than expected. The dashboard is laid out logically, with soft-touch materials on the upper sections and durable plastics lower down—a smart compromise for cost and longevity. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen, which sits prominently atop the dashboard and is angled slightly toward the driver for better visibility. Physical buttons for climate control and audio functions are retained, which is a plus for usability while driving.

Seats are upholstered in a combination of fabric and synthetic leather (depending on trim), offering decent support for long drives. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes, making it easy to find a comfortable driving position. While the interior won’t wow you with luxury, it’s clean, functional, and free of unnecessary clutter—perfect for daily use.

Performance and Engine Options

The 2017 MG ZS is available with two petrol engine options, both designed to balance efficiency and everyday drivability. The base model comes with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 106 horsepower and 104 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful engine on the market, it’s adequate for city driving and light highway use.

The Turbocharged 1.0L Engine: A Better Choice

For those who want a bit more pep, the 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine is the way to go. It delivers 111 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque, which may not sound like a huge jump, but the turbo adds responsiveness and better mid-range acceleration. This engine comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which is smoother and more modern than the 4-speed unit in the base model.

In real-world driving, the turbo engine feels more confident when merging onto highways or overtaking slower traffic. It’s also more fuel-efficient, returning around 38 mpg on the highway compared to 34 mpg for the 1.5L. The turbo variant is slightly more expensive, but the improved driving experience and better fuel economy make it worth the upgrade for most buyers.

Handling and Ride Comfort

The ZS is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, which is exactly what most compact SUV buyers want. The suspension absorbs bumps and potholes well, making it a great choice for city driving where road surfaces can be uneven. Steering is light and easy to manage, though it lacks the precision of more driver-focused models.

While the ZS isn’t designed for spirited cornering, it handles everyday driving scenarios with confidence. Body roll is minimal at normal speeds, and the car feels stable on highways. The brakes are responsive, and the pedal has a linear feel, which helps with smooth stops in traffic.

Interior Space and Practicality

One of the ZS’s strongest selling points is its interior space. Despite being classified as a compact SUV, it offers roominess that rivals some midsize models. Front-seat passengers enjoy ample headroom and legroom, even with taller drivers. The rear seats are equally impressive, with enough space for two adults to sit comfortably on long trips. Three can fit in a pinch, though shoulder room gets tight.

Cargo Capacity and Flexibility

The boot offers 320 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up—enough for weekly groceries, a stroller, or a few suitcases. Fold down the 60:40 split rear seats, and you get a flat load floor with up to 1,162 liters of space, perfect for moving furniture or camping gear. The tailgate opens wide, and the load lip is low, making it easy to lift heavy items in and out.

Practical touches include multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin—door pockets, a center console bin, and a glovebox—all useful for stashing phones, water bottles, and snacks. Cup holders are well-placed, and there’s even a small tray in front of the gear lever for loose change or keys.

Seating Comfort and Visibility

The seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives, with good lumbar support in the front. Rear passengers get a decent view out, thanks to large windows and a relatively high seating position. The driver enjoys excellent forward visibility, though the thick C-pillars can create slight blind spots when checking over the shoulder.

One minor downside is the lack of rear air vents, which can make rear-seat comfort suffer on hot days. However, the front air conditioning system is powerful and cools the cabin quickly.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2017 MG ZS shines in the tech department, especially considering its price. The standard 8-inch touchscreen is one of the largest in its class and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—features that are often reserved for higher-end models. This means you can seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and hands-free calls.

User-Friendly Interface

The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive. Menus are logically organized, and icons are large enough to tap easily while driving. Voice control is available for phone and audio functions, though it’s not as advanced as systems in premium brands. The built-in navigation is basic but functional, though most drivers will prefer using Google Maps or Waze via smartphone mirroring.

Audio quality is decent with the standard six-speaker system. Higher trims offer an upgraded sound system with better clarity and bass, but even the base setup is sufficient for casual listening. Bluetooth connectivity is fast and reliable, and USB ports are conveniently located in the center console.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is where the ZS shows its budget-oriented roots. Standard features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and rear parking sensors. Higher trims add side and curtain airbags, a rearview camera, and tire pressure monitoring.

However, advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, or automatic emergency braking are not available—even as options. This is a notable omission, especially as these features become more common in new cars. That said, the ZS earned a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which is respectable for its class and year.

For buyers prioritizing safety tech, it’s worth considering slightly newer models or competitors like the Hyundai Kona or Kia Seltos, which offer more comprehensive driver assistance packages.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

One of the ZS’s biggest advantages is its low running costs. The 1.5L engine averages around 30–34 mpg in mixed driving, while the 1.0L turbo delivers 35–38 mpg, making it one of the more fuel-efficient options in the segment. With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, this efficiency can translate to significant savings over time.

Maintenance and Reliability

MG offers a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, which is generous for the price range and provides peace of mind for new buyers. Routine maintenance is affordable, with service intervals every 10,000 miles or 12 months. Parts are widely available, and labor costs are reasonable at independent garages.

Reliability has been generally good, with few major reported issues. Some owners have noted minor electrical glitches or rattles over time, but these are common in budget vehicles and rarely affect drivability. Regular servicing and careful driving can help extend the ZS’s lifespan.

Insurance and Depreciation

Insurance costs are moderate, typically falling into lower groups due to the car’s modest power output and safety features. Depreciation is relatively steep in the first few years—common for non-mainstream brands—but levels off afterward. This makes the ZS a good choice for buyers planning to keep the car for 5+ years.

Who Should Buy the 2017 MG ZS?

The 2017 MG ZS is ideal for a specific type of buyer: someone who wants a modern, stylish SUV without paying a premium. It’s perfect for first-time car buyers, young families, or commuters who need a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle for daily use.

It’s also a great option for those upgrading from a hatchback or sedan and want the added height, space, and versatility of an SUV. The ZS won’t win any performance awards, but it delivers where it matters—comfort, practicality, and value.

That said, if you prioritize cutting-edge safety tech, premium materials, or high-performance driving, you may want to look at more expensive alternatives. But for the price, the ZS is hard to beat.

In conclusion, the 2017 MG ZS SUV is a smart, no-nonsense choice in the crowded compact SUV market. It may not have the brand prestige of a Toyota or the flashy tech of a Tesla, but it offers a compelling package of style, space, and affordability. Whether you’re navigating city streets or heading out on a weekend getaway, the ZS proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable and comfortable SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2017 MG ZS reliable?

Yes, the 2017 MG ZS is generally reliable for its class. Owners report few major mechanical issues, and the 5-year warranty adds extra peace of mind. Regular maintenance helps ensure long-term dependability.

What engine options are available in the 2017 MG ZS?

The 2017 MG ZS comes with two petrol engines: a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine (106 hp) and a 1.0L turbocharged engine (111 hp). The turbo version offers better performance and fuel economy.

Does the 2017 MG ZS have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, the 2017 MG ZS includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, making it easy to connect your smartphone for navigation, music, and calls.

How much cargo space does the MG ZS have?

The MG ZS offers 320 liters of boot space with the rear seats up and up to 1,162 liters with the seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage, groceries, or gear.

Is the 2017 MG ZS safe?

The ZS earned a 4-star Euro NCAP safety rating and includes standard features like ABS, ESC, and airbags. However, it lacks advanced driver aids like lane departure warning or automatic braking.

What is the fuel economy of the 2017 MG ZS?

The 1.5L engine averages 30–34 mpg, while the 1.0L turbo delivers 35–38 mpg, making it one of the more fuel-efficient compact SUVs in its price range.